NI and Ulster Women and Men take Bronze at Anglo-Celtic 100K Plate

25 March 2019

The Northern Ireland and Ulster women's and men's teams took bronze at the Anglo-Celtic 100k Plate Home International Championships in Perth, Scotland on Sunday 24^th March 2019.

This was the first time for the NI & Ulster women to be competing at the competition, which was celebrating its 25^th anniversary. Susan McCartney (BARF) took 8^th place overall in a time of 9:04.19, with Gillian Connolly (Seapark AC) in 9^th place in 9:09.54 and Louise Smart (Co Antrim Harriers) in 10^th place in 9:41.10. This gave the women an impressive 3^rd place just behind Scotland and England.

The Men’s team were just as lucky in their race, where they also collected Bronze medals, after a slight error at the presentation. Tim Brownlie (Willowfield Harriers) lead the team, finished 9^th overall in a new PB time of 7:44.28. He was followed by Sean Nickell (North Down AC) who finished 18^th overall in 9:00.14, with Richard Coey in 20^th place in a time of 9:29.48.

The men's race was won by Charles Harpur(6:44:19) who led England to the team title and the women's race by Scotland's Sophie Mullins(8:03:39).

Elsewhere this weekend…

NI International marathon runners Laura Graham, Gladys Ganiel and Breege Connolly have their sights firmly fixed on the World Championship Marathon in Doha this October following some impressive half marathon performances this weekend.

Previous Belfast Marathon winner, Laura Graham (North Down AC) took full advantage of the perfect weather at this weekend’s, Larne Half Marathon to finish in 1^st place and 16^th overall in a time of 75mins 46secs. The event saw a massive 2,100 runners competing, with Commonwealth Games athlete Gladys Ganiel (North Belfast Harriers) finishing in 2^nd place and 20^th overall in a time of 76mins and 6secs.

The 3^rd lady over the line was Jessica Craig (North Down AC) in a time of 79mins and 25 secs, followed by Jennifer Clements (North Belfast Harriers) in 81mins 81secs.

Added to the mix for Doha is Rio Olympics runner Breege Connolly who finished 9^th in London Half Marathon, in a new PB time of 74mins and 49secs.

The Men’s race saw Vincent McKenna (Acorns AC) take first place in a time of 69mins 40secs, followed by Gary Slevin (Foyle Valley AC) 69mins 58secs. John Black (North Belfast Harriers) took 3^rd place in 71mins 01secs and Craig Simpson (Foyle Valley) came 4^th in a time of 72mins and 5secs.